1502. An Iterative Optimization-Simulation Approach for Energy-Efficient Ferry Scheduling with Landside Traffic Considerations
Invited abstract in session WB-32: Green maritime and port logistics-1, stream Maritime and Port Logistics.
Wednesday, 10:30-12:00Room: Maurice Keyworth 1.09
Authors (first author is the speaker)
| 1. | Asefe Forghani
|
| Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University | |
| 2. | Ying Xie
|
| School of Management, Cranfield University |
Abstract
This study presents an energy-aware ferry scheduling model for Ro-Ro ferries, designed to address both maritime and landside operational challenges under cold ironing constraints. The model incorporates collaboration among ferry operators, commercial considerations, deck space flexibility, fallback strategies for charging electric or hybrid vessels, and inland traffic simulation to optimise scheduling. The ferry operator alliance allows capacity sharing, reducing unnecessary crossings and balancing demand. Commercial considerations ensure that schedules align with service levels, maintaining market share for each ferry operator. The model optimises deck space by reallocating surplus freight capacity to cars, while preventing the reverse due to deck height restrictions. Given the limited availability of cold ironing at berths, the model introduces a fallback strategy that allows ferries to switch to diesel when shore power is insufficient. Beyond berth scheduling, it integrates landside traffic simulation using an iterative optimisation-simulation approach, refining ferry schedules to alleviate inland traffic bottlenecks, especially at passport control. Computational experiments show that the approach enhances efficiency, reduces emissions, and improves port traffic, offering a scalable solution for ports adopting cold ironing technology.
Keywords
- Scheduling
- Programming, Mixed-Integer
- OR in Sustainability
Status: accepted
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